How to Handle Admissions Decisions

You’ve put a lot of effort into your applications, and hopefully you’re hearing good news from colleges. That said, you’re likely receiving a mix of decisions from a variety of schools. Here’s some advice on how to get through the coming weeks, as the college application process begins to wind down.

1) Celebrate your acceptances! You worked hard, and deserve all of your success.

2) Prepare to be recruited. When a college admits you, they want you to enroll, and they will do their best to make you feel wanted. Expect invitations to visit campus and phone calls or letters from current students; some schools will even send you t-shirts, scarves, or posters. Take advantage of opportunities to meet with students, spend the night in a dormitory, and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.

3) It’s OK to be disappointed by a deny letter, but try not to get hung up on it. Most students end up having a great time at whatever college they attend, even if it wasn’t their first choice. Besides, you should be excited about all of the schools you applied to (otherwise, why did you apply?).

4) Remember, when you don’t gain admission to a school, the college did not reject you. Your application was denied. It is a subtle, but significant, difference. A college may not have a space for you in the fall, but you are still the same smart, motivated, and talented student you always were. No admissions decision defines you.

5) Focus on the schools to which you were admitted. Those schools are excited about you! Boost your ego and spend some time with people who think you’re awesome.